2026 B.O.S.S. ® Doula Training Scholarship

Birthing Our Sisters Safely (BOSS):

An "Earn and Serve" Approach

The birth world is shifting. As the landscape of maternal health evolves, the role of the doula is moving from a "labor of love" to a recognized, essential profession within the healthcare system. To meet this moment, you need more than just heart; you need clinical competency, business sustainability, and the ability to navigate the new state Medicaid reimbursement landscape.

The BOSS Doula Program, designed by Nikia Lawson, is your gateway to this evolution. Whether you are a "birth enthusiast" ready to start your journey or a practicing doula looking for the "missing pieces" to make your business thrive, this program offers the tools to earn a lifestyle wage while providing high-quality, safe, and competent care to your community.

💼 Choose Your Investment Path

1. The Scholarship Path ($0)

• For Residents of: TX, OK, LA, NJ, PA, NY, MD, VA, CT, DE, DC, and OH.

• Tuition: 100% Covered IF you complete every element of the program.

• The "Sweat Equity" Commitment: This is a rigorous, self-elimination boot camp. You pay with your commitment and discipline. You must complete all weekly assignments and prerequisites on time to remain in the program.

• Under the Scholarship Path, if a participant does not complete an assignment or misses a deadline, they do not "owe" a debt for the training already received, but they are self-eliminated from the free track.

  • To continue in the program after missing an element, they must "buy back" in by paying the $349.29 promotional rate (the Direct Entry/Safety Net Path).

• Essentially:

  • Do they owe money for failing? No.

  • Can they stay for free? No.

  • How do they finish? They must pay the $349.29 fee to regain their seat and attend the 2-day intensive.

2. The Direct Entry Path ($349.29)

• For those who cannot commit to the weekly boot camp or those who were self-eliminated.

• The Benefit: Skip the weekly virtual requirements and move directly to the 2-day in-person intensive.

• Tuition: This promotional rate is a 50% discount off standard tuition.

📅 2026 Important Dates & Timeline

• Application Deadline: April 29, 2026

• Weekly Boot Camp (Virtual): Wednesdays, May 6 – June 24 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM CST)

• Regional In-Person Intensives ~ Reasonable Travel Expenses Covered.

  • TX (Arlington): September 2026 (Serves TX, OK, LA)

  • NJ (Vineland): September 2026 (Serves surrounding NE states)

  • OH (Cincinnati area): October 2026

⏳ Time Commitment & Requirements

Expect a high-engagement environment designed for those serious about professionalizing their craft:

1. Weekly Virtual Learning: 3.5 hours every Wednesday during the boot camp phase.

2. Prerequisites: Completion of "Racial Equity & Inequities in Birthwork," Lactation Education, and state Medicaid enrollment paperwork.

3. Hands-on Training: A full 2-day intensive workshop at a regional retreat.

4. Final Commitment: Serve qualifying births, document your process, and complete both DONA certification and Medicaid provider enrollment.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why the heavy focus on Medicaid?

A: Sustainability. Most doulas burn out because they cannot get paid a living wage. We handle the paperwork so you can be reimbursed as a professional provider.

Q: Can I do the 2-day Intensive online?

A: No. Clinical competency and hands-on skill-building require in-person attendance at one of our three regional retreat events.

Q: What if I miss a boot camp assignment?

A: You will "self-eliminate" from the free track. However, you can "buy back" into the program for the $349.29 promotional rate to finish your training.

🚀 Ready to Shift Your Career?

Seats are filling fast—only 69 spots remaining!

Take action today to build a sustainable birth business and serve your community with excellence.

APPLY NOW! Application Form HERE

Got Questions?

• Text "BOSS" to (469) 430-8587

• Message "BOSS" to @nikialawsondoulatrainer on Facebook or Instagram

• Email Nikia Lawson at training.birthblessings@gmail.com

Meet Your Instructor:

Nikia Lawson, MA, BSW, BDT/CD(DONA)

Nikia doesn’t just teach a workshop; she shares over 25 years of experience supporting birthing families and training the next generation of birth professionals. My background is rooted in both clinical excellence and community advocacy. Nikia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, which allows her to provide a high-level, evidence-based education that goes beyond the basics.

As a DONA International Birth Doula Trainer and a former President of DONA International, Nikia has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between private and community-based support. Her work has been recognized nationally, from serving as a Women’s Health Specialist for the City of Fort Worth to presenting on best practices for integrating doulas into the maternal healthcare system in New York.

Nikia is a State of Texas-approved lactation educator and a maternal health advocate committed to reducing mortality rates through my non-profit, The Natural Way Birthing Project. When you train with Nikia, you aren't just learning how to support a birth—you are learning from a leader who is actively changing the narrative of maternal health in marginalized communities. Nikia is here to ensure you leave this program with the clinical competency and business savvy needed to truly Earn and Serve.